Sony's Beatles biopic to release four films in April 2028

Director Sam Mendes announces four-part Beatles biopic with a unique release strategy.

The Beatles rock and roll band pose for a portrait around 1962. (L-R) Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr. Photo by Michael Ochs/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Sony’s highly anticipated Beatles biopic project has finally come to fruition after being announced last year. At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, director Sam Mendes revealed groundbreaking plans for the series, which will consist of four films, each dedicated to one of the Fab Four members. The Beatles biopic will be released in April 2028, with each film exploring the life and legacy of one of the band’s iconic members.

“We’re not just making one movie about The Beatles; we’re making four movies,” Mendes shared on stage at the event. He also hinted that this approach could offer fans a more in-depth understanding of the legendary band.

The Beatles, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential bands of all time, will be at the center of a massive cinematic experience. According to Mendes, Sony is aiming for a unique theatrical event that could even be binge-watched, a bold and unconventional approach for a movie release.

The cast of the Beatles biopic

In an exciting reveal, Mendes introduced the cast for the upcoming Beatles biopic. Paul Mescal, known for his acclaimed role in Normal People, will portray Paul McCartney. Harris Dickinson, an up-and-coming star in Hollywood, will play John Lennon. Joseph Quinn, best known for his role in Stranger Things, will take on the role of George Harrison. Lastly, Barry Keoghan, a rising talent with roles in films like Dunkirk and The Eternals, will portray Ringo Starr.

Each film will focus on a different Beatles member, providing audiences with an intimate look at the lives of McCartney, Lennon, Harrison, and Starr. While the films will share the common thread of The Beatles’ rise to fame and influence, each will explore a distinct aspect of the band’s story through the lens of its central character.

Sony’s ambitious strategy for The Beatles films

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Mendes shared that Sony’s film boss Tom Rothman called the project the first theatrical experience that could be binge-watched. This reflects a shift in how major studios view film releases, as they explore ways to keep audiences engaged over extended periods.

By releasing all four films in one month, Sony hopes to capitalize on The Beatles' loyal fan base, providing a fresh and immersive way for viewers to experience the band’s incredible journey. The films are expected to explore not only their music but also the personal struggles and relationships that shaped their careers.

The Beatles are still the best-selling music artists of all time, and with this unique release strategy, Sony is hoping to tap into the immense cultural impact of the band. The films will delve deep into their legendary status while providing a cinematic experience that goes beyond traditional biopic formats.

CinemaCon: A major reveal for the Beatles biopic

CinemaCon, the annual gathering for Hollywood exhibitors and studios, is an event where major announcements like this often take place. This year, the event ran from March 31 to April 3, with various studios presenting their upcoming projects. The reveal of the Beatles biopic at CinemaCon marks a pivotal moment for Sony, as they unveil an innovative way to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.

Mendes, known for his work on films like Skyfall and 1917, has garnered significant attention for his involvement in this ambitious project. The director’s previous films have displayed his knack for powerful storytelling, and fans of The Beatles are eagerly anticipating how he will bring their story to life on the big screen.

Why four films? A deeper dive into the Fab Four

Unlike most biopics that offer a single narrative arc, Sony's Beatles biopic promises a unique structure. Each of the four films will give audiences a chance to dive deeper into the individual lives of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. This decision underscores the complexity and individuality of each band member, shedding light on their personal experiences, artistic contributions, and the dynamics that shaped their collective identity.

The four-part Beatles biopic will allow fans to better understand the unique challenges and triumphs each member faced, both inside and outside of the band. It is expected to explore their personal relationships, solo endeavors, and the internal tensions that contributed to The Beatles’ eventual breakup. The films will also provide insight into how the band evolved musically and culturally, capturing the essence of their journey from Liverpool to global superstardom.

The Beatles legacy and the future of biopics

The release of Sony's Beatles biopic represents a new era of biographical storytelling, where complex narratives are unpacked across multiple films rather than one condensed feature. This approach could set a precedent for future musical biopics, as filmmakers strive to capture the nuances of legendary figures in a more comprehensive way.

The Beatles’ music and legacy have continued to influence generations of artists and fans, and this biopic series is poised to remind the world of their timeless contributions to music and culture. With a talented cast, visionary director, and a unique release strategy, Sony's Beatles biopic is sure to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the decade.

As April 2028 approaches, fans will eagerly await their chance to experience The Beatles biopic in theaters. Whether you’re a lifelong Beatles fan or new to their music, these films promise to offer an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of the most iconic band in history.